U.S. patent application number 15/260228 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-09 for water recapture system.
The applicant listed for this patent is John Trujillo. Invention is credited to John Trujillo.
Application Number | 20170064911 15/260228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58189096 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170064911 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trujillo; John |
March 9, 2017 |
WATER RECAPTURE SYSTEM
Abstract
In an embodiment, a water recapture system comprises one or more
trays having a bottom surface and one or more sidewalls extending
upward from the bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface has at
least one aperture extending therethrough. A platform configured to
engage a top side of the one or more sidewalls, wherein the
platform has a first tab and a second tab, wherein the first tab
and the second tab extend outwardly from the platform. A coupler
extending through the at least one aperture of the bottom surface,
wherein one end of the coupler is exterior to the tray, and wherein
a hose attached to the one end of the coupler, wherein the bottom
surface of the tray is contoured, and wherein the contour of the
bottom surface is biased towards the at least one aperture.
Inventors: |
Trujillo; John; (El Cajon,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Trujillo; John |
El Cajon |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58189096 |
Appl. No.: |
15/260228 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62215883 |
Sep 9, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 15/628 20180201;
B05B 9/007 20130101; B05B 7/2486 20130101; A01G 9/045 20130101;
B05B 7/2443 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 9/04 20060101
A01G009/04; A01G 25/09 20060101 A01G025/09; A01G 25/02 20060101
A01G025/02; B05B 15/06 20060101 B05B015/06; B05B 9/04 20060101
B05B009/04; B05B 9/00 20060101 B05B009/00; B05B 12/00 20060101
B05B012/00; A01G 25/14 20060101 A01G025/14; B05B 7/24 20060101
B05B007/24 |
Claims
1. A water recapture system comprising: a. one or more trays having
a bottom surface and one or more sidewalls extending upward from
the bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface has at least one
aperture extending therethrough; b. a platform configured to engage
a top side of the one or more sidewalls, wherein the platform has a
first tab and a second tab, wherein the first tab and the second
tab extend outwardly from the platform; and c. a coupler extending
through the at least one aperture of the bottom surface, wherein
one end of the coupler is exterior to the tray, and wherein a hose
attached to the one end of the coupler, wherein the bottom surface
of the tray is contoured, and wherein the contour of the bottom
surface is biased towards the at least one aperture.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the trays are interlocking,
wherein one or more of the sidewalls comprise a plurality of clips,
and wherein the clips connect separate trays together.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more filters,
wherein the one or more trays comprise an opening through an upper
edge of at least one of the sidewalls, wherein the one or more
filters are axially aligned with the bottom surface of the
tray.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the contour of the bottom surface
facilitates excess water flow throughout the bottom surface of the
tray to the at least one aperture, wherein the contour of the
bottom surface is selected from the group consisting of: curved,
channeled, corrugated, and tapered.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one tank
having a plurality of openings, wherein each hose of the one or
more trays is in communication with at least one opening of the
tank, wherein the tank receives excess water.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a. a power source; b.
at least one pump electrically connected to the power source,
wherein the pump pumps water held inside the tank to a re-watering
system.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the re-watering system further
comprises at least one hose having a first end attached to the pump
and a second end attached to a watering device, wherein the
watering device directs the flow of water from the pump.
8. A water recapture system comprising: a. one or more trays having
a bottom surface and one or more sidewalls extending upward from
the bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface has at least one
aperture extending therethrough; b. a platform configured to engage
a top side of the one or more sidewalls; c. a coupler extending
through the at least one aperture of the bottom surface, wherein
one end of the coupler is exterior to the tray, and wherein a hose
attached to the one end of the coupler; d. a re-watering system
having at least one tank in communication with the one or more
trays; e. one or more re-watering devices in communication with the
tank; wherein the bottom surface of the tray is contoured, wherein
the contour of the bottom surface is biased towards the at least
one aperture, wherein the tank receives excess water, wherein the
one or more re-watering devices directs the flow of the excess
water.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more
re-watering devices comprises: a. a base; b. a pole extending
upwardly from the base; and c. a watering module in communication
with the pole.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the base further comprises at
least one attachment mechanism to receive a hose extending from the
tank to the at least one re-watering device, wherein the attachment
mechanism is in communication with the watering module.
11. The system of claim 9, further comprising an articulating
armature attached to the pole, wherein the armature extends and
retracts generally perpendicular from the pole, and wherein the
watering module is attached to an opposite end of the armature from
the pole.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein the pole comprises a plurality
of pole sections, wherein each pole section is telescopically
engaged with an adjacent pole section.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the water module comprises: a. a
handle having a trigger mechanism, wherein the trigger mechanism is
mechanically connected to at least one actuator, wherein the at
least one actuator controls one or more valves; b. a tube extending
from the handle; and c. at least one sprinkler head attached to the
tube, wherein the sprinkler head directs the flow of water from the
re-watering device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/215,883 filed on Sep. 9, 2015, entitled
"Water Recapture Tray System" the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to devices used for excess
water recapture and conservation from watering plants, for example.
More specifically, this relates to multipurpose tray systems for
the storage or display of plants or other horticultural
applications.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Water is a non-renewable resource that plays a vital role in
the survival of humans and plants. Current conservation efforts
have not been able to provide for a universal solution to water
shortages and the need to use water both commercially and
individually remains. One of the most wanton and unnecessary wastes
for water comes from the watering process of plants. Commercial
plant retailers rely on water to be able to hydrate their
inventory. It is ineffective both financially and regarding time to
carefully and precisely water each individual plant to ensure no
water is wasted through runoff or over saturation dripping.
Generally, in both commercial and individual settings, plants are
watered in bulk through a blanket style watering process that is
indiscriminate and wasteful. The pots holding the plants have gaps
and a large amount of water is wasted by simply missing the pot and
allowing the water to fall to the ground where it is absorbed or
evaporated. There is no reason that this excess wasted water could
not be recollected and reapplied.
[0006] Prior art consists of drip trays or other vessels without
holes for holding plant pots, thereby collecting excess water when
the pots are watered. The stagnant water is then intended to be
taken up the root systems or will simply evaporate. Even with these
types of trays, the water is still able to overflow and will
typically be allowed to fall onto a floor or surface and the water
will be wasted. Small plants, bushes and trees manufactured and
sold for home gardening are generally grown in open pot systems,
from which dripping water is collected in typically flat trays.
Such trays are designed only to keep the excess water from flooding
the surrounding areas. Once a tray is full, the plant-bearing pots
must be lifted and repositioned so that the tray can be transported
to a nearby receptacle for draining. This process is laborious and
wasteful. Commercially, large plant distributors and retailers fail
to utilize any type of a tray for the recollection or recirculation
of excess water.
[0007] There is an immediate need for a solution for body
commercial and residential applications of water recollection for
horticultural applications. Water is a vital and limited resource
and allowing excess or runoff water to simply evaporate is
inefficient and costly. A closed system that will allow for easy
and inexpensive installation as well as operation is needed for
water conservation. Excess and runoff water can be conserved
through the application of a closed tray system that collects,
transports and filters the excess water from plants.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In an embodiment, a water recapture system comprises one or
more trays having a bottom surface and one or more sidewalls
extending upward from the bottom surface, wherein the bottom
surface has at least one aperture extending therethrough. A
platform configured to engage a top side of the one or more
sidewalls, wherein the platform has a first tab and a second tab,
wherein the first tab and the second tab extend outwardly from the
platform. A coupler extending through the at least one aperture of
the bottom surface, wherein one end of the coupler is exterior to
the tray, and wherein a hose attached to the one end of the
coupler, wherein the bottom surface of the tray is contoured, and
wherein the contour of the bottom surface is biased towards the at
least one aperture.
[0009] In an embodiment, the trays are interlocking, wherein one or
more of the sidewalls comprise a plurality of clips, and wherein
the clips connect separate trays together.
[0010] In an embodiment, the water recapture system further
comprises one or more filters, wherein the one or more trays
comprise an opening through an upper edge of at least one of the
sidewalls, wherein the one or more filters are axially aligned with
the bottom surface of the tray.
[0011] In an embodiment, the contour of the bottom surface
facilitates excess water flow throughout the bottom surface of the
tray to the at least one aperture, wherein the contour of the
bottom surface is selected from the group consisting of: curved,
channeled, corrugated, and tapered.
[0012] In an embodiment, the water recapture system further
comprises at least one tank having a plurality of openings, wherein
each hose of the one or more trays is in communication with at
least one opening of the tank, wherein the tank receives excess
water.
[0013] In an embodiment, the water recapture system further
comprises a power source and at least one pump electrically
connected to the power source, wherein the pump pumps water held
inside the tank to a re-watering system
[0014] In an embodiment, the re-watering system further comprises
at least one hose having a first end attached to the pump and a
second end attached to a watering device, wherein the watering
device directs the flow of water from the pump.
[0015] In an alternative embodiment, a water recapture system
comprises one or more trays having a bottom surface and one or more
sidewalls extending upward from the bottom surface, wherein the
bottom surface has at least one aperture extending therethrough. A
platform configured to engage a top side of the one or more
sidewalls. A coupler extending through the at least one aperture of
the bottom surface, wherein one end of the coupler is exterior to
the tray, and wherein a hose attached to the one end of the
coupler. A re-watering system having at least one tank in
communication with the one or more trays. One or more re-watering
devices in communication with the tank, wherein the bottom surface
of the tray is contoured, wherein the contour of the bottom surface
is biased towards the at least one aperture, wherein the tank
receives excess water, wherein the one or more re-watering devices
directs the flow of the excess water.
[0016] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more
re-watering devices comprises a base; a pole extending upwardly
from the base; and a watering module in communication with the
pole.
[0017] In an embodiment, the base further comprises at least one
attachment mechanism to receive a hose extending from the tank to
the at least one re-watering device, wherein the attachment
mechanism is in communication with the watering module.
[0018] In an embodiment, the water recapture system further
comprises an articulating armature attached to the pole, wherein
the armature extends and retracts generally perpendicular from the
pole, and wherein the watering module is attached to an opposite
end of the armature from the pole.
[0019] In an embodiment, the pole comprises a plurality of pole
sections, wherein each pole section is telescopically engaged with
an adjacent pole section.
[0020] In an embodiment, the water module comprises a handle having
a trigger mechanism, wherein the trigger mechanism is mechanically
connected to at least one actuator, wherein the at least one
actuator controls one or more valves, a tube extending from the
handle; and at least one sprinkler head attached to the tube,
wherein the sprinkler head directs the flow of water from the
re-watering device.
[0021] In another embodiment, the handle is removeably engaged to
the water module. In use, the handle may be removed and substituted
with another watering mechanism. For example, the handle may be
removed and the watering module will direct an open flow of water;
or a different style of sprayer is attached allowing for diverse
and variable spray patterns.
[0022] In an embodiment, one or more sprinkler heads are
rotationally mounted to the tube, wherein the sprinkler heads are
fully adjustable and rotational.
[0023] The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the
invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the
accompanying drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the
ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings briefly described as follows.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the water recapture tray system,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is an explosion view of the water recapture tray
system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the water recapture tray system,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the water recapture tray system,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the water recapture tray system,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the water recapture tray system,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the watering module
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the watering device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their
advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-8 wherein like
reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of presently preferred
embodiments for a water recapture drip tray system 1. The system 1
includes at least one tray 5 working in conjunction with each
other. Each tray 5 has a bottom surface 12 that has at least one
hole 13 to allow fluids to flow through. The bottom surface 12
continuously extends across the entire bottom of the tray 5 between
all found sides. Each tray 5 includes sidewalls 10 extending
upwardly from a bottom surface 12 connected to the sidewalls 10.
The sidewalls 10 may be continuous material such that they prevent
any water from passing through. Each sidewall 10 extends along the
length and width of the tray 5 until they encounter another
sidewall 10 to form a corner. The system further includes a
platform 20 that is held in place by the sidewalls 10 and provides
for a level surface that acts as a support to place objects on. The
platform 20 is a perforated and rigid material intended to have
sufficient strength to be able to support the weight of an object
placed on it. The platform 20 may have a grid pattern similar to a
honeycomb structure or grate. The platform 20 may have integrated
structural supports such as a plurality of integrated joists
extending from one side to the other such that they bolster the
supportive capabilities. The platform 20 may also have sides that
are configured to an angle such that they allow for the platform to
rest on top of the side walls 10, thereby holding it in place.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom
surface 12 is horizontal and contains one or more holes 13
configured to permit excess water to flow through the bottom. The
bottom surface 12 may have attributes that allow for optimal water
collection such as a slope, curvature, corrugation, or at least one
channel. A bottom surface 12 has a corrugated or ribbed surface.
The ribs and corrugation will assist in directing the water that
has accumulated on the bottom surface towards the holes.
[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom
surface 12 is sloped. The slope would assist in the flow and
accumulation of the water on the bottom surface 12. A slope would
allow for consolidation of the water on the bottom surface 12 to
the lowest area of the slope. At least one hole 13 may be
incorporated into the bottom surface 12 at the lowest point of the
slope to maximize water recapture.
[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom
surface 12 is curved in a shape similar to a bowl. At least one
hole 13 may be at the minimal point of the curvature as this is the
point where the water would be directed to through gravitational
forces.
[0038] The sidewalls 10 extend upwardly from the bottom surface 12
regardless of the shape or attribute of the bottom surface 12. The
side walls 10 support the platform 20 either by a channel in one or
more of the side walls 10 allowing the platform 20 to engage the
side walls 10; a ridge 17 on the interior surface of the side walls
10 to allow the platform 20 to be placed on; a snap or pressure
mechanism to hold the platform 20 in place between the sidewalls
10; or an external mechanism to affix the platform 20 to the side
walls 10.
[0039] In reference to FIG. 2, a corner section of the tray 5 is
shown for detail of an embodiment of the present invention. One or
more ridges 17 allows for additional support of a grate or other
object resting on top of the tray 5. A plurality of clamping holes
11 are molded to the perimeter of the tray allowing for clamps to
hold the tray 5 in place. In an embodiment, the clamps are
connected to supporting structures that may be necessary depending
on the weight of the contents resting on the tray as well as large
amounts of water there within.
[0040] In an embodiment, a ridge 17 may be molded to the sidewall
10 to prevent overflow of the fluid in the tray 5. The ridge 17
also additionally functions as extra support features.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. The platform 20 is perforated. Perforations in the
platform 20 material may range in size depending on the
application. In any size, the perforations 24 would be at least
large enough to allow water to pass through.
[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, the platform
20 is grated. The grate pattern may vary depending on the
application. Types of grate patterns may include a plethora of
different geometric shapes configured to allow for the passage of
water through the grate openings while maintaining sufficient
rigidity to support an object, such as a plant, on the platform 20
surface. Regardless of the grate pattern, the grate openings 23
would be sufficiently large to allow for objects to be retained
thereon while simultaneously allowing for fluids to fall through
the platform onto the bottom surface 12 and then out of the tray 5
through the hole 13 in the bottom surface 12.
[0043] In another embodiment of the present invention, a filter
element is included to prevent debris from preventing the flow of
water through the hole 13 in the bottom surface. The filter may be
selectively permeable to prevent undesired material to pass
through. The tray 5 may have a space between the platform 20 and
the bottom surface and a filter would be placed in between the
platform 20 and the bottom surface. The sidewalls 10 may have a
channel to accept the filter or the filter may simply sit on the
bottom surface 12. The filter would prevent any debris from passing
through from the platform to the bottom surface 12. The debris
would be held in the filter until it was removed and replaced or
cleaned. The filter would be permeable to fluids. In an embodiment,
the filter is composed of a material that is waterproof with
anti-bacterial or aseptic properties. A synthetic plastic like
material would be sufficient.
[0044] In another embodiment, the filter is a multilayer filter.
For example, the multilayers are porous material to initiate
filtration of liquids passing therethrough, or a layer containing
additives to be added to the liquids passing through the filter
such that the liquid leaving the filter has received one or more of
the additives from the additive filter layer. Other layers may
include ionized material or chemically reactive material for
removing undesirable materials from the liquid passing through the
filter from entering the water recapture tank.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the present invention, where
the system is interconnected using interlocking mechanisms. This
connection involves the abutment of one tray 5 to another and then
using clips 30, or another interlocking mechanism to affix the
trays 5 together forming a larger effective water recapture tray 5
surface area, for plants for example. The clips 30 are curved
pressure or locking clips 30. When the trays are brought close to
one another, a clip 30 could be applied by sliding the open portion
of the curve over the a side wall 10 of each tray 5. Pressure clips
30 would hold the trays 5 together by the force transferred from
the tension of the curve in the clip 30. Another style of clip 30
may include a locking mechanism that has two parts whereby the clip
30 is one part and another part attached to the sidewall 10 of each
tray 5 is adapted to accept an end of the clip 30 thereby holding
the sidewalls 10 together. Snaps would hold the trays 5 together
when a snap is incorporated into the sidewall 10 of the tray 5 and
a corresponding portion of the snap is installed on another
sidewall 10 of a tray 5. Channels may be used to allow the trays 5
to slide together. A sidewall 10 may have a section where a channel
has been removed from the sidewall 10 and a corresponding sidewall
10 has a section meant to engage the channel. Another example of a
channel is when the sidewalls 10 have a small L-shaped protrusion
extending outward from the sidewalls 10. Sidewalls 10 with
oppositely inverted L-shaped protrusions would interlock thereby
holding the trays 5 together.
[0046] In another embodiment, the tray has one or more protruding
surfaces 29 from the one or more sidewalls of the tray. The
protruding surfaces 29 allow for the attachment of the tray to a
surface. For example, the protruding surfaces may comprise one or
more attachment means such as a clip or fastener. During
installation of the tray to the underside of a surface, the clip or
fasteners extend from the protruding surfaces 29 to the underside
of the surface for attachment. In yet another embodiment, the
protruding surfaces 29 act as a lip where the tray is installed by
applying pressure to the lip between two objects such as two cinder
blocks. In this embodiment, the tray is held in place by the
contact between the lip and the cinder blocks through a friction
attachment.
[0047] In an embodiment, the trays 5 and components are created
using synthetic materials. Generally, plastic-like material is used
to for all aspects of the system. The filter may be composed of a
similar plastic like material or active carbon to provide extra
filtering properties to the water passing through.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the system is in communication to
a reservoir tank 41 that acts as a holding tank for excess water in
the system. The tank may be in communication to the system by
pipes, tubes, a funnel, or another water collection device known in
the art.
[0049] In reference to FIG. 5 In an embodiment, each tray has one
or more legs 62 extending outward from an exterior surface of the
bottom of the tray. The legs may be static or dynamic that is they
may be telescoping or otherwise adjustable. Legs are extendable and
rotating in any way. Each leg has a series of through-holes in
which the clips 30 are attached. Clips 30 are held in place pins 33
which extend through through-holes of the clips 30. When the
through-hole of the clips 30 and the through-hole in the legs are
aligned the pins can extend through each in conjunction and hold
the clips 30 vertically in place.
[0050] In an embodiment, a stand system supports each tray. The
stand system has one or more legs with a base and top end. The base
contacts the floor and the top end extends from the base, wherein
the base promotes stability. Each leg of a single stand system is
either static or dynamic allowing for a variable height. The
dynamic legs may interlock with one another or telescopically
extend the total length of the stand system leg. Each leg has a
clip or bracket configured to engage the tray. Each clip of the
stand system comprises a first surface, second surface, and third
surface. The first and third surfaces extend from the second
surface where the contact between the first and second surface, as
well as the third and second surface is generally at a right angle.
In an embodiment, the second surface is attached to the leg of the
stand system. The first and third surfaces have a hole that is
coaxially aligned with one another. A pin may be inserted into the
holes of the first and third surfaces when the clip is engaged with
the tray such that the pin will pass through the hole of the first
surface, extend through the tray, and through the hold of the third
surface thereby locking the tray into the clip. In an alternative
embodiment, each clip is slidably engaged to the leg.
[0051] In an embodiment, crossbars 63 support the tray in order to
hold one or more legs 62 in place. The crossbars 63 prevent the
legs from moving, thus aiding in locking the tray in place.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a hollow tube where in one embodiment of
the present invention, the hole(s) 13 in the bottom surface are the
opening of an aperture extending through a hollow tube 18 passing
through the bottom surface 12. The hollow tube 18 may have a
threaded collar 19 as a hose coupling, that would allow for the
connection to a hose system for consolidated water collection from
the trays 5. When the hollow tubes 18 do not have a threaded collar
19, a hose is connected using pressure and friction by using a hose
corresponding to the size of the hole 13.
[0053] In an embodiment, the hollow tube 18 is integrally linked to
watering pipes 42, which extend upwards from the hollow tube 18 and
extending over the tray. Water may be pumped through the watering
tubes 42 by a pump or an integrated pressure system. Holes may be
places in the watering tubes 42 in order to water plants placed on
the tray.
[0054] In another embodiment, the components of the tray system are
formed as a single piece where the tubes 42, the tray, and the
grate manufactured a single unit.
[0055] In an embodiment, the watering tubes 42 are fastened by a
cylindrical collar 47 to the opposite end of the tray. The
cylindrical collar 47 is fastened to an extension pole underneath
the cylindrical collar 47.
[0056] In another embodiment, the hollow tube is a junction to link
one or more trays together or link one or more tubes and pipes
together. The junction has one or more generally concentric collars
near a first end and second end. The one or more collars provide a
friction fit to the interior surface of an aperture of the tray or
an interior surface of a tube. A sleeve extends between the first
and second ends. In an embodiment, the junction has a midpoint
defined by a plurality of threads for engaging inverse threads of a
pipe, tube, or tray. The threads allow for the static placement of
the junction during installation.
[0057] In another embodiment, each tray has one or more water
distributing probes that extend from the interior surface of the
bottom of the tray. The water distributing probes have one end in
communication with a watering tube and another end extending
generally upward from the bottom of the tray. The probes direct the
flow of water from the watering tube throughout the plants or
objects within the tray. In another embodiment, the water
distributing probes are hydraulically activated by the buildup of
water pressure from the re-watering system. As the water enters the
probes through the tubes, the probe is driven upward to an
operational state above the objects in the tray, where it is able
to provide coverage of the objects with water from the tubes.
[0058] In use, trays may be connected to one another forming a
matrix of trays. A filter may be placed in the tray 5 on top of the
bottom surface 12. Then the platform 20 is positioned on the top of
the tray 5 using a support method previously discussed and
incorporated into the sidewalls 10. The platform 20 provides a
surface to place an object on such as a plant. When appropriate,
the user waters the plant and then, due to gaps between plant pots,
excess watering, or other indiscriminate application of water, any
water that was not absorbed by the soil in the pot or directed on
the plant would then pass through the perforation or grate of the
platform 20, through the filter, then collect on the bottom surface
12 of the tray 5. The filter would prevent any debris such as
leaves, dirt, stems, etc. from passing through to the bottom
surface 12. Through repeated use, the filter may have to be
replaced or clean. Replacing the filter would involve removal of
the old filter and installation of a new filter in the opposite way
it was removed. Other types of filters may be able to be cleaned.
To clean the filter, it may be possible to remove the filter then
rinse all debris off. An antibacterial spray may be used to further
remove any bacterial or mold growth on the filter. Generally
understood is the characteristic of water to take a pathway of
least resistance, based on gravitational pull. Once on the bottom
surface 12, the water would travel either as directed by the bottom
surface 12 attributes or by sheer volume on the bottom surface 12,
to the hole(s) 13 and subsequently through to the water routing
system to a collection vessel where it can be stored and
reused.
[0059] In an alternative embodiment, the water recapture system has
a re-watering system. The re-watering system has one or more
sections of pipes connected together to direct the flow of water
throughout the re-watering system. One or more of the sections of
pipe attach to the tray. One or more ends of the sections of pipe
are in communication with a water pump facilitating the flow of
water from one or more recapture tanks. The recapture tanks hold a
volume of liquid that has traveled through the water recapture
system to be stored in the recapture tanks until subsequent
re-watering. The flow of water travels from the recapture tanks to
the one or more sections of pipe where the water is directed to one
or more valves opening to allow the water to exit the one or more
sections of pipe and be directed towards an interior section of the
tray.
[0060] In an embodiment, tubes are used to direct the flow of water
from the water pump to the pipes of the re-watering system.
[0061] In an embodiment, the one or more valves are in
communication with one or more nozzles having various
configurations to adjust the flow of the water as it leaves the
re-watering system. For example, a shower head or hose sprayer are
used to adjust the flow of water from a jet, stream, soak, mist,
pulse, spray, etc.
[0062] In another embodiment, the re-watering system has an
additive device for the introduction of desired additives to the
water used for re-watering. The additive device has a container
adapted to retain one or more additives until use. The container is
connected to a valve for controlling the introduction of the
additive to the flow of water. Additives may include fertilizers,
stabilizers, water composition modifiers, etc.
[0063] In another embodiment, one or more of the tray surfaces
comprise a central connection point to engage the tubes of the
re-watering system. The tray surfaces also have one or more
coplanar tubes, wherein at least one end of each of the coplanar
tubes is in communication with the central connection point to
direct the flow of water from the tubes of the re-watering system
throughout the coplanar tubes of the tray surfaces. In an
embodiment, at least one end of the coplanar tubes is in
communication with one or more sections of pipe extending from the
tray surface to direct the flow of water out of the re-watering
system and onto one or more plants within the tray. In another
embodiment, the coplanar tubes comprise a plurality of apertures
extending through the interior surface of the tray into the
coplanar tube allowing the flow of water to exit the plurality of
apertures into the tray.
[0064] In an embodiment, the valves and spray nozzles are
adjustable and omnidirectional via hydraulic activation. For
example, the spray nozzles are in communication with the one or
more sections of pipes such that the spray nozzles are capable of
rotating as built up water pressure transfers force to the
connection between the pipes and nozzles. As the force is
transferred, the force is sufficient to overcome frictional forces
between the nozzles and the connection resulting in a rotation of
the spray nozzles. The rotation of the nozzles allows for better
watering coverage of the materials within the tray.
[0065] In an embodiment, the water recapture and re-watering system
is used by a user installing the system by setting one or more
trays on a surface or attaching one or more trays to an underside
of a surface, such as a table. The trays are clipped together to
form a matrix of trays for the system. Placing the filter under the
grate of the tray allows water to pass through the grate before
passing through the filter. In an embodiment, the tray, tubes, and
grate is manufactured as a single unit. In a further embodiment,
the grate and platform are removable allowing for the device to be
easily cleaned. The water then falls to the bottom surface of the
tray where it is directed to one or more holes. The bottom surface
of the tray is configured to direct the water using the shape of
the bottom surface, any channels, corrugation, etc. The water is
directed to the one or more holes and the one or more holes are
connected to a system of tubing. The tubes of the tubing system are
all in communication with one another and with a water recapture
tank. The water is routed to the tank and the tank stores the
recaptured water. When a user determines a time where re-watering
is necessary, the user engages one or more valves on the water
tank. In one embodiment, the water tank is in communication with a
pump for actively drive the water from the tank to the re-watering
system. In another embodiment, the tank is lifted to allow for a
gravity re-distribution system of the water. The gravity system
would raise the tank to a level higher than the trays increasing
the potential energy and subsequent momentum of the water leaving
the tank. When re-watering, the flow of water is opened or
initiated from the tank through the tubes of the re-watering
system. The water flows through the tubes to the pipe system of
each tray for re-watering. Finally, the water leaves the pipe
system of each tray to contact and hydrate the objects placed on
top of the tray. Once the user has determined enough water has been
provided, the re-watering system valves are closed and the system
returns to a water recapture position. Essentially, the process
forms a flossed loop of watering and recapture of the same.
[0066] In reference to FIG. 7, the water recapture system has a
re-watering module having a moveable base 70 with at least one pole
71 extending upward therefrom. The at least one pole may be static
or dynamic whereby the pole height is adjustable through
telescopically engaged sections of the pole. A locking mechanism 72
is used to set the height of the adjustable pole in position. The
locking mechanism 72 arrests the movement between the telescoping
sections. One or more watering devices 74 are attached to the pole
and are manipulated by a user for desired water coverage.
[0067] In an embodiment, a water source such as the water recapture
tank or a hose 75 are connected to the re-watering module. The
re-watering module may contain a tank mounted to allow for
convenient access to recycled water. The re-watering module may
include a hose reel with a separate tank 67 for water storage. The
attachment may be at the base, the pole, or the one or more
watering devices. For example, an end of a hose from the water
source may threadingly engage an adapter located on the base. In
this example, the water adapter would have an exposed portion to
accept the hose and second portion within the base in communication
with one or more channels to direct the flow of water within the
re-watering module to the one or more watering devices. In an
embodiment, the one or more channels is a second hose.
[0068] In an embodiment, the one or more watering devices is at
least one sprinkler head 65 attached to an articulating armature
68. One end of the armature is connected to the at least one
sprinkler head 65 and the other end of the armature is attached to
the pole. The water then comes from the water source, is directed
through the re-watering system and exits out of the at least one
sprinkler head 65.
[0069] In an embodiment, the re-watering module has an ON/OFF
controller 77 allowing the user to control water flow, movement,
modulation of the sprinklers, and other functional aspects of the
device.
[0070] In reference to FIG. 8 a watering device has a length of
rigid tubing extending outward from a handle 79. The handle has one
or more buttons or triggers 82 mechanically engaged with one or
more actuators of one or more valves within the watering device.
One end of this type of watering device is in communication with
the water from the water source. Another end of this watering
device is configured to distribute watering exiting the device. In
use, a user operated the trigger to open or close the valves to
allow water out of the watering device.
[0071] In another embodiment, one or more tubes are attached to an
extendable end-piece 88 to a plurality of additional tubes.
Functionally, this means the device is scalable to a degree only
limited by the strength of materials used. The additional hoses may
have the ability to input additional additives such as fertilizer.
Once an end point is established in the watering device, an end-cap
90 is placed in order to maintain pressure in the system and expel
water through the apertures.
[0072] In an embodiment, one or more additive devices 84 may be
integrated into the watering device, distributing an additive of
choice into the water channel of the device. It is possible for an
additive device 84 to be input at each additional extension of the
device in separate embodiments.
[0073] In another embodiment, each extendable section may have the
ability to input an additional additive specific to each
section.
[0074] In a preferred embodiment, a handle 87 is in communication
with the watering device in order to aid in the grip thereof as
well as to supply water to said device.
[0075] The invention has been described herein using specific
embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that
the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways.
Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in
scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as
being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.
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